Kante, who has also been linked with Manchester City and Arsenal, would be a massive signing for the Red Devils who are in the market for young, defensive midfielders as Michael Carrick is 35 this summer and Germany ace Bastian Schweinsteiger turns 32.

They still have France star Morgan Schneiderlin but Kante’s tenacity and remarkable fitness will make him one of the most sought-after targets this off-season.